One in two don’t have time to compare natural gas suppliers

Could you be saving money on your utilities bills? More than half the respondents to our recent survey know they should shop around and compare natural gas provider prices, but have yet to do so.

More than three quarters of respondents agreed they would change gas suppliers if it saved them money, so why have so many neglected to investigate their options? Of those who haven’t compared natural gas suppliers, more than three quarters didn’t because they find the information too confusing, and a similar percentage feel it’s too much effort.

To lend a hand, we rated South Australian natural gas suppliers with our customer satisfaction ratings. Out of a comparison of four major providers, Simply Energy received our 2013 Most Satisfied Customers Award for Natural Gas Suppliers – South Australia.

In other results:

Simply Energy also received five stars for its uninterrupted supply and billing.

Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton to regularly survey Australian consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group (5,000 consumers) who have an active gas account in South Australia and regularly pay the bills – in this case, 279 people.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.

Overall customer satisfaction

In a comparison of four big brands, Simply Energy customers were most satisfied overall with their natural gas service. Energy Australia followed with four stars, and AGL and Origin came next with three.

Value for money

Energy Australia achieved four stars for gas supplier value for money, just ahead of three star recipient Simply Energy and two star recipients AGL and Origin.

Uninterrupted supply

A steady supply of gas to your home ensures you’re never caught without when you go to cook dinner, or warm your house on a cold night. AGL, Energy Australia and Simply Energy all received five stars for their uninterrupted supply of gas. Origin received four stars in this area.

Availability of payment plan options

Getting behind on your bills can be tough. In most cases you can sort out a payment plan with your utilities provider so you don’t lose essential services to your home. AGL received five stars for its payment plan options, Energy Australia and Simply Energy received four, and Origin achieved three.

Focus on environmental sustainability

If protecting the environment is important to you, find a utilities provider with similar values. Customers of Energy Australia and Simply Energy were most satisfied with their natural gas supplier’s focus on environmental sustainability, receiving four stars. Next was Origin with three stars in this area, then AGL with two.

Billing

Simply Energy achieved five stars for the clarity and accuracy of its billing. AGL and Origin received four stars in this important area, and Energy Australia received three.

Service (e.g. email, telephone service)

AGL and Energy Australia received five stars for customer service, just ahead of four star recipients Origin and Simply Energy.